The leader of an allottee group on the Navajo Nation is questioning why one Indian beneficiary has appealed the $3.4 billion settlement to the Indian trust fund lawsuit.

Ervin Chavez, the president of Shi Shi Keyah, said Kimberly Craven, who filed a notice of appeal, should have withdrawn from the settlement. "I don't understand why these people didn't opt out of the case when they had the chance," Chavez told The Navajo Times.

Craven is a member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate who has been a vocal critic of the deal. However, she chose not to opt out before an April 20 deadline.

Chavez and the attorneys for the lead plaintiffs in the case say the appeal will delay distribution of the $3.4 billion settlement. "A lot of allottees have called and continue to wait for the funds to be paid out," he told the paper.

Get the Story:
Allottee decries challenges to Cobell (The Navajo Times 9/12)

Relevant Documents:
Order Granting Final Approval To Settlement | Exhibit A and Exhibit B

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